Page 44 of The Vampire's Storm

“Nope. No fucking way,” Mack said, standing and planting his hands on his hips.

“Mack—” Callan began and indicated he should sit.

“No, Callan. You’re not going back there,” Mack said, firmly protecting his alpha. “I’ll do it.”

Woah.

“Have you been out in the sun?” Logan asked.

“No. But technically I can,” Mack replied.

“Technically can get you dead, you fucking idiot,” Kurt said, shoving Mack’s chair into his legs, and Mack flopped down.

Logan snickered. “Yeah, dude. That’s a no.”

“I’m not letting Callan go back in there. I know being here as warriors appears to have changed our authority lines, but biologically he’s still my alpha.” The hybrid growled. “Nothing changes that.”

“Mack...” Callan had a quiet power about him as he held the other hybrid's stare.

It seemed to calm him.

How interesting.

Ari held up his hand, and the room paid attention. As it always did when he commanded it. Logan would never say it out loud, but his energy had always felt larger than anyone’s.

Even...yeah, the king’s.

Fuck.

He would never share that thought with anyone.

“No decisions have been made. No one will be doing anything they don’t want. I mean it,” Ari said firmly.

Callan nodded. “I’ll speak to Virginia.”

Mack threw his head back and groaned. “As if she is going to say yes. Come onnn.”

Logan smiled and shared a look with Kurt. “What are the alternatives?”

“We recruit a human,” Ben said. “We could manipulate their mind and send them in. Maybe a cop with skills.”

Marcus shook his head. “Too unreliable. It’s not that specific.”

“Let’s wait to hear from Craig in a few hours before we decide on anything. Talk to Ginny, Callan, then get back to me,” Ari said, nodding at the male. “Brayden might have a lead in New York if he’s stopped there. Meanwhile, we need to activate our strategy to destroy the mega-mafia’s production line.”

“Now ya talking,” Logan said, leaning forward on his knees.

“Let’s blow the fucking things sky high.” Alex snorted.

“Yup.” Kurt high-fived Tom and the two of them laughed.

Talk about lifting everyone’s spirits.

“We are at war. This is a direct order from the king,” Ari said. “All mafia personnel involved in this war against vampires are to be exterminated. Snipers, spread yourselves out across the teams to back them up.”

Logan, Elijah, Jason, and Oliver nodded.

“Then get your ass back here. Use all the Moretti and Institute tools available to you.”